Former Griffin Park favourite Jay Tabb admits a play-off final against Brentford would be a nightmare scenario for him.

Not only does Tabb still have a lot of love for the club he made more than 150 appearances for between 2000 and 2006, but he has good reason to hate the end of season lottery.

Tabb had two play-off failures under his belt by the time he left Brentford for Coventry, in 2005 and 2006, and later added another two with Reading, in 2009 and 2011.

He said: “I don't know if that would be a dream scenario (Brentford v Ipswich at Wembley if both fail to go up automatically) – more of a nightmare one as I hate the play-offs, they're bloody horrible!

In the beginning: Tabb in his Brentford days

“I loved my time at Brentford, they gave me my break in football. I got a great reception from their fans on Boxing Day and they were singing my name again today (before Saturday's 1-1 draw at Portman Road ), which is always nice to hear.

“I suppose if Ipswich didn't go up it would be a small consolation if Brentford did, but only a small one as I'm an Ipswich player first and foremost now, and all my focus is on getting them into the Premier League – even if it ends up at Brentford's expense. It will be fine margins.”

Tabb's Ipswich stayed a point and a place behind his former side in the race for the play-off promotion places following Saturday's stalemate between the two sides, and the ex-Bee admits he has been impressed by Brentford this season.

Agony: Tabb experienced play-off pain with Reading as well

He added: “They gave us a tough game, just like it was on Boxing Day, the only difference then being we were quick out of the traps that day. They work hard and play some good football.

“They like to play an expansive game, which not a lot of teams do at this level, and it's very brave stuff. It means getting players on the ball and being comfortable with it.

“They deserve to be where they are and have a team capable of challenging. You only have to look at players like Jota being on the bench today – it must be a good squad!”